Locking Mechanism for A Tie Down

ABSTRACT

A locking device and system for a tie down includes elements that positively secure a securing strap within a locking housing to hold one or more objects in place. In one embodiment, the locking housing includes a sloped housing having a cavity adapted to receive one end of the securing strap. The locking housing includes at least a user actuable lever and a gripping element. When the securing strap is threaded through the cavity of locking housing and the securing strap is in a desired positioned within the locking housing, the locking device enables a user to pivot the lever to cause the gripping element to press against the strap and positively secure the position of the strap within the housing. In one embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt having teeth and the gripping element includes a surface with teeth that mesh with the teeth of the strap.

BACKGROUND

Locking devices for securing a strap are known. However, a need existsfor a locking device that includes positive locking features that bettersecure a tie down strap within a housing to hold an object in place.

SUMMARY

The present invention is directed to a locking device and system for atie down that positively secures a strap within a locking housing tohold one or more objects in place. The locking housing is secured to onelocation and one end of the strap is secured to a different locationrelative to the locking housing. In one embodiment, the locking housingincludes a sloped housing having a cavity adapted to receive a securingstrap. The locking housing includes, among other elements, a useractuable lever and a gripping element. When the strap is threadedthrough the cavity of the locking housing and the strap is in a desiredpositioned within the locking housing, the locking device enables a userto pivot the lever to cause the gripping element to press against thestrap and positively secure the position of the strap within the lockinghousing. In one embodiment, the strap is a cogged belt havingpredetermined ridges and grooves (e.g., teeth) and the gripping elementincludes a surface of ridges and grooves (e.g., teeth) thatsubstantially mesh with the teeth of the cogged belt. In one suchexample, when the gripping element is pressed into securing contact withthe strap, the teeth of the strap mesh with the teeth of the grippingelement to positively secure the strap in the desired position withinthe locking housing.

In one embodiment of the locking device and system, the locking deviceincludes a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top, whereinthe base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a secondopening, wherein the second opening is opposite from the first opening,and the top having a channel. The locking device includes a leverpivotally coupled to the housing, wherein the lever is positionedpartially within the first opening of the sloped housing, an armpivotally coupled to the lever, wherein the arm is positioned within thesloped housing, an angle block having a plurality of sides, wherein thebottom includes a gripping element and the top of the angle blockincluding at least two guide pins, the angle block pivotally coupled tothe arm and slidably coupled to the top of the sloped housing, whereinthe angle block is at least partially positioned within the slopedhousing, and a strap, wherein at least part of the strap is positionedwithin the housing.

In one embodiment, one end of the lever is in the shape of a cam. In oneembodiment, the bottom of the sloped housing includes at least twosecuring apertures for securing the position of the sloped housing.

In one embodiment, the channel in the top of the sloped housing runs theentire length of the top.

In one embodiment, the lever is pivotally coupled to the housing with apin, the arm is pivotally coupled to the lever a second pin, and the armis pivotally coupled to the angle block with a third pin.

In one embodiment, the strap includes ridges and grooves. In one suchembodiment, the strap is a cogged belt. In another such embodiment, thegripping element of the angle block also includes ridges and groovessuch that the ridges of the angle block fit within the grooves on thecogged belt and the ridges of the cogged belt fit within the grooves ofthe angle block when the angle block is pressed against the strap.

In one embodiment, if an additional load is applied to the strap, theload causes the lever to pivot further thereby causing the angle blockto further press against the strap.

In one such embodiment, the gripping element of the angle block includesa plurality of ridges and grooves. In one such embodiment, the grippingelement is coupled to the bottom of the angle block. In an alternativeembodiment, the gripping element is integrally formed with the bottom ofthe angle block.

In one embodiment, the guide pins are coupled to the top of the angleblock. In an alternative embodiment, the guide pins are integrallyformed with the top of the angle block.

In one embodiment, the strap is coupled to a load buckle.

In one embodiment, the method of securing a strap includes inserting astrap into a desired position within a sloped housing, the slopedhousing having a base, two sides, and a top, wherein the base, twosides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, the secondopening being opposite from the first opening, and the top including achannel. The method includes pivoting a lever towards the base of thesloped housing, wherein the lever is pivotally coupled to the slopedhousing and positioned at least partially within the first opening ofthe sloped housing. The method also includes pivoting and pushing an armto move in the direction of the second opening of the sloped housingbased on the pivoting motion of the lever, wherein the arm is pivotallycoupled to the lever and positioned within the sloped housing. Themethod further includes pushing the angle block towards the secondopening of the sloped housing and sliding the angle block into the strapsuch that the angle block at least temporarily secures the position ofthe strap within the sloped housing based on the pivoting and pushing ofthe arm. The angle block is pivotally coupled to the arm. The angleblock also includes a guide pin coupled to the top of the angle blockand positioned within the channel of the sloped housing, which causesthe angle block to move towards the base of the sloped housing andremovably couple the angle block to the strap when pushed by the arm.

In an alternative embodiment, a locking system to removably secureobjects includes a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top.The base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and a secondopening, the second opening being opposite from the first opening, andwherein top includes a channel. The locking system includes a leverpivotally coupled to the sloped housing, wherein the lever is positionedpartially with the first opening of the sloped housing. The lockingsystem also includes an arm pivotally coupled to the lever, wherein thearm is positioned within the sloped housing. The locking system furtherincludes an angle block positioned within the sloped housing andpivotally coupled to the arm and slidably coupled to the top of thesloped housing. The angle block includes a guide pin and a grippingelement, wherein the gripping element is coupled to the bottom of theangle block and includes ridges and grooves. The guide pin is coupled tothe top of the angle block and opposite of the gripping element. Theguide pin also positioned within the channel of the top of the slopedhousing. The locking system further includes a strap having a pluralityof ridges and grooves, wherein at least part of the strap is configuredto be positioned within the housing such that the ridges and grooves ofthe strap are parallel to, and facing the ridges and grooves of thebottom of the angle block. In this embodiment, when the strap ispositioned within the sloped housing and the lever is pivoted towardsthe base of the sloped housing, the lever causes the arm to push theangle block towards the second opening of the sloped housing. Thechannel of the sloped housing also causes the angle block to slidetowards the base of the housing such that the ridges and grooves of theangle block fit within the ridges and grooves of the strap, therebysecuring the strap within the sloped housing.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from the following Detailed Description and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the locking mechanism inaccordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the locking mechanism in accordancewith one embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of the locking mechanism in accordancewith one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, a locking device and system is described,wherein the locking device enables a user to secure or hold an object inplace (e.g., hold an object within the bed of a truck; however it shouldbe appreciated that the locking system can be configured to hold anyobject in place in any suitable situation). In one example embodiment,the locking mechanism can be used to secure a boat within the bed of atruck. The locking housing is secured to one location of the truck bedand one end of the strap is secured to a different location on the truckbed relative to the position of the locking housing. In one embodiment,the locking housing includes a sloped housing having a cavity adapted toreceive the unsecured end of the strap. The locking housing includes,among other elements, a user actuable lever and a gripping element. Whenthe strap is threaded through the cavity of locking housing and thestrap is in a desired positioned within the housing (e.g., the strap ispulled taut over the boat in the bed of the truck), the locking deviceenables a user to pivot the lever to cause the gripping element to pressagainst the strap and positively secure the position of the strap withinthe housing. In one preferred embodiment, the strap is a cogged belthaving teeth and the gripping element includes teeth that substantiallymatch the teeth of the cogged belt. In one such example, when thegripping element is pressed into securing contact with the strap, theteeth of the strap mesh with the grooves between the teeth of thegripping element to positively secure the strap in the desired positionwithin the locking housing. Thus, the positive locking between thelocking housing and the strap enable a user to hold the boat within thebed of the truck.

In one embodiment, the locking device is positioned in a neutral andunlocked position as illustrated in the cut-away view of FIG. 1. In thisembodiment, the locking mechanism 10 includes a housing 100, a lever102, an arm 104, an angle block 106, a strap 108, and a load buckle 110that together enable a user to secure or hold an object in place.

In one embodiment, housing 100 forms a four sided, substantially rigidand angled, sloped, or tapered structure that includes a base 100 a, atleast two walls 100 b and 100 c, and a top 100 d. Walls 100 b and 100 care sloped such that top 100 d is positioned at an angle relative tobase 100 a. The slope of top 100 d can be any suitable slope. Base 100a, walls 100 b and 100 c, and top 100 d form a first opening 100 e thatis located on one end of the housing. A second opening 100 f, is locatedon an end of the housing opposite from the first opening 100 e and isformed from base 100 a, walls 100 b and 100 c, and top 100 d.

Top 100 d includes a channel 100 g, wherein top 100 d and channel 100 gare located opposite of base 100 a of housing 100. In one embodiment,channel 100 g completely divides top 100 d as illustrated in FIG. 1;however, it should be appreciated that channel 100 g may not completelydivide top 100 d and channel 100 g can be any suitable length of top 100d (i.e., top 100 d may not be split into two sections). Housing 100 alsoincludes at least one aperture 100 h in each of the walls 100 b and 100c that are configured to accept a pin or link member. Housing 100further includes apertures 100 i and 100 j that accept a securingelement. It should be appreciated that housing 100 can include anysuitable number of apertures on any wall for securing the housing 100.In one embodiment, the securing element is a screw, wherein apertures100 i and 100 j can be threaded or unthreaded; however any suitablesecuring element can be used (i.e., a bolt and nut combination, rivets,etc.). It should also be appreciated that housing 100 can be at leastpartially flexible and can be formed into any suitable shape. In oneembodiment, housing 100 can be formed from any suitable metal such assteel, a steel composite, or aluminum; however, it should be appreciatedthat housing 100 can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g.,plastics, polymers, and ceramics).

In one embodiment, lever 102 is an elongated member wherein one end isformed into an eccentric circle such as the cam illustrated as 102 a.One end of lever 102 is configured for a user to grasp. Lever 102 alsoincludes at least two apertures 102 b and 102 c that are each configuredto accept a pin or a link member such as pins 103 a and 103 b. In oneembodiment, lever 102 can be formed from any suitable metal such assteel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciatedthat lever 102 can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g.,plastics, polymers, and ceramics).

In one embodiment, arm 104 is an elongated member with a first andsecond end. Each end of arm 104 includes at least one aperture such asapertures 104 a and 104 b. Apertures 104 a and 104 b are configured toaccept at least one pin or link such as pin 103 b and pin 103 c. In oneembodiment, arm 104 can be formed from any suitable metal such as steel,a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should be appreciated thatarm 104 can be formed from any suitably strong material (e.g., plastics,polymers, and ceramics).

In one embodiment, pins 103 a-103 d can be formed from any suitablemetal such as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it shouldbe appreciated that pins 103 a-103 d can be formed from any suitablystrong material (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics).

In one embodiment, angle block 106 is a wedged or angle shaped memberthat conforms to the shape of housing 100. In one embodiment, angleblock 106 includes a surface element 106 a that can include teeth orridges and grooves that run along at least part of the bottom of angleblock 106; however it should be appreciated that surface element 106 acan run the entire length of the bottom of angle block 106 or any othersuitable length. In one embodiment, wherein the surface 106 a isconfigured as teeth or ridges and grooves, a distance between teeth ofsurface 106 a of angle block 106 are configured to match the teeth of atleast one cogged belt or strap; however the distance between teeth canbe irregular or any suitable distance that do not match with any coggedbelt or strap.

In one embodiment, angle block 106 can be formed from any suitable metalsuch as steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should beappreciated that angle block 106 can be formed from any suitably strongmaterial (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics). In one embodiment,wherein the surface 106 a includes teeth, the teeth can be milleddirectly into surface 106 a of angle block 106. However, it should beappreciated that the surface 106 a can be formed as one or more separateelements from angle block 106. For example, the teeth can be formed fromrubber or any other suitable material that has a high frictioncoefficient. In one embodiment, if the teeth are formed from separateelements, the teeth can be coupled to angle block 106 in any suitablemanner (e.g., glue, screws, rivets, etc.) to form a single element.Further still, surface 106 a of angle block 106 can be configuredwithout teeth. In one such embodiment, surface 106 a can be configuredfrom any suitable material with a high coefficient of friction. Surface106 a can also include any suitable pattern that enables the surface 106a to positively grip another surface that is in contact with surface 106a.

Angle block 106 also includes guide pins 106 b and 106 c. In oneembodiment, guide pins 106 b and 106 c are coupled to the top of angleblock 106. In one such embodiment, guide pins 106 b and 106 c are weldedor glued to the top of angle block 106 to form a single member 106.Guide pins 106 b and 106 c may also be coupled to angle block 106through apertures formed in the top of angle block 106 (i.e., screwed toangle block 106 or coupled in any suitable manner). Guide pins 106 b and106 c can also be formed from steel or a steel composite; however, likeangle block 106, guide pins 106 b and 106 c can be formed form anysuitable material. Angle block 106 also includes at least one aperture106 d configured to accept a pin or link such as pin 103 c.

In one embodiment, strap 108 is a strap or a belt that includes, ridgesand grooves, or teeth. In one such embodiment, strap 108 is a coggedbelt that has teeth molded directly into its surface such as those usedin vehicle timing belts. In a preferred embodiment, the cogged belt isan open-end timing belt commercially available in various widths,strengths, and lengths. However, strap 108 can be formed from nylonwebbing or any other suitable material and can be configured withoutridges and grooves. Strap 108 also includes at least two apertures 108 aand 108 b. Apertures 108 a and 108 b are configured to accept at leastone pin or link such as pin 103 d. However any suitable element such asa screw or a bolt can be inserted through apertures 108 a and 108 b.

Load buckle 110 can be a formed as a D-ring or any other suitable shape.In one alternative embodiment, load buckle 110 can be a carabineer thatenables rapid coupling and release to a securing point. In oneembodiment, load buckle 110 can be formed from any suitable metal suchas steel, a steel composite, or aluminum. However, it should beappreciated that load buckle 110 can be formed from any suitably strongmaterial (e.g., plastics, polymers, and ceramics).

FIG. 2 illustrates a cutaway side perspective view of one preferredembodiment of the locking mechanism. In this embodiment, the cam end 102a of lever 102 is positioned at least partially within the secondopening 100 f of housing 100. The cam end 102 a of lever 102 isrotatably coupled to housing 100 with pin 103 a, wherein pin 103 a isinserted through apertures 100 h of housing 100 and aperture 102 b oflever 102. It should be appreciated that two or more pins or links maybe used to rotatably couple lever 102 to housing 100. In one embodiment,a spring washer (not shown) can be inserted over pin 103 a such thatspring washer sits between at least one side of lever 102 and housing100 (i.e., either side 100 b or side 100 c). In one embodiment, twospring washers can be used such that a spring washer sits between eitherside of lever 102 and housing 100 (i.e., between side 100 b and side 100c of housing 100).

Arm 104 is located within housing 100. One end of arm 104 is rotatablycoupled to lever 102 with pin 103 b, wherein pin 103 b is insertedthrough apertures 104 a of arm 104 and through aperture 102 c of lever102. It should be appreciated that two or more pins or links may be usedto rotatably couple arm 104 to lever 102. The other end of arm 104 isrotatably coupled to angle block 106 with pin 103 c, wherein pin 103 cis inserted through apertures 104 b of arm 104 and aperture 106 d ofangle block 106. It should be appreciated that more than one arm 104 canbe coupled to angle block 106.

In an alternative embodiment, the position of lever 102 having cam end102 a within housing 100 can be inverted such that lever 102 isrotatably coupled to aperture 100 h of housing 100 at aperture 102 c oflever 102. In one such embodiment, one end of arm 104 is rotatablycoupled to lever 102 with pin 103 b, wherein pin 103 b is insertedthrough apertures 104 a of arm 104 and through aperture 102 b of lever102. In this manner, the rotation of the lever can be reversed asdiscussed below.

Angle block 106 is at least partially located within housing 100. Thatis, guide pins 106 b and 106 c protrude from housing 100 through channel100 g, while the body of angle block 106 is located within housing 100.However, it should be appreciated that guide pins 106 b and 106 c canremain within housing 100 (e.g., unexposed) if a recessed channel iscreated within housing 100 and top 100 d is solid. The surface 106 a ofangle block 106 is situated parallel to base 100 a of housing 100. FIG.3 illustrates a top perspective view wherein the neck of guide pins 106b and 106 c are shown within channel 100 g while the heads of guide pins106 b and 106 c are above top 100 d of housing 100.

One end of strap 108 can be inserted within housing 100 through opening100 e and 100 f of housing 100. In one embodiment, strap 108 protrudesthrough both openings 100 e and 100 f of housing 100; however, strap 108may not protrude though both openings as illustrated in the cutawaysection 120 of FIG. 2 (it should be noted that the cutaway section ismerely for illustration purposes; however, in one embodiment, housing100 can include a translucent section to enable a user to view theinternal locking mechanism to enable the user to verify that the lockingmechanism is properly engaged). Strap 108 is also positioned between thebottom of angle block 108 and base 100 a of housing 100. In oneembodiment, load buckle 110 can be coupled to strap 108 through a loopcreated by folding one end of strap 108 onto itself. One end of strap108 having aperture 108 b is threaded through load buckle 110 and foldedaround load buckle 110 such that apertures 108 a and 108 b are aligned.A pin such as 103 d can be inserted through apertures 108 a and 108 b tosecure the folded portion of strap 108 together. In one embodiment,plates 122 a and 122 b can be positioned on either side of strap 108 tofurther secure strap 108 around load buckle 110. In this embodiment,plates 122 a and 122 b further include apertures to pass pin 103 dthrough to apertures 108 a and 108 b. It should also be appreciated thatload buckle 110 can be coupled to strap 108 in any suitable manner.

Operation

In one embodiment of the locking device and system incorporating acogged belt as strap 108 as illustrated in FIGS. 1-3, the lockingmechanism is used as a cargo tie down wherein the strap 108 (i.e., thecogged belt) is used as the adjustable portion of the securing tie down.

Housing 100 is coupled to a surface, such as bolting housing 100 throughapertures 100 i and 100 j to one edge of a desired surface such as atruck bed. One end of strap 108 is coupled to load buckle 110. Loadbuckle 110 is attached to the end of a lanyard such as a rope or otherdevice, which is coupled to an opposite edge of the pickup truck bed.However, it should be appreciated that load buckle 110 can be directlycoupled to the opposite edge of the pickup truck. Strap 108 is placedover or threaded through an object that a user desires to secure to thebed of the pickup truck. The end of strap 108 opposite of the endcoupled to load buckle 110 is threaded through opening 100 e of housing100. If strap 108 is long enough, strap 108 is also threaded throughopening 100 f of housing 100. Strap 108 is pulled through housing 100such that strap 108 is sufficiently taut to secure the object within thebed of the pickup truck.

When strap 108 is determined to be sufficiently taut, the lockingmechanism enables a user to pivot lever 102 towards the base 100 a ofhousing 100 (i.e., counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2) tosecure strap 108. When the user pivots lever 102 counterclockwise, lever102 pivots on pin 103 a. Pivoting lever 102 causes arm 104 to pivotaround pin 103 b and to push arm 104 towards opening 100 e of housing100. Pivoting lever 102 also causes arm 104 to push angle block 106towards opening 100 e due to the rotatable coupling at pin 103 c. Asangle block 106 is pushed towards opening 100 e, the pivoting motion oflever 102 also causes angle block 106 to move towards base 100 a and thesurface of strap 108 due to guide pins 106 b and 106 c which areslidably coupled in channel 100 g of the top 100 d of housing 100. Whenangle block 106 moves, guide pins 106 b and 106 c slide in channel 100 gand cause angle block 106 to move parallel to channel 100 g. The surface106 a (e.g., the teeth) of angle block 106 engage and hold the surfaceof strap 108 when lever 102 is sufficiently pivoted. In this illustratedembodiment, the teeth of surface 106 a of angle block 106 are formedsuch that they fit within the grooves of strap 108 (i.e., the coggedbelt). In this configuration, if any additional load is exerted on strap108 or on load buckle 110, the force causes an increase in theengagement of angle block 106 with strap 108 as angle block 106 ispushed further towards opening 100 e of housing 100 and slides furtherdown channel 100 g into strap 108.

When the user desires to release the tension in strap 108, the userrotates lever 102 to cause angle block 106 to move towards opening 100 fin housing 100 (i.e. away from base 100 a or clockwise from theperspective of FIG. 2). Strap 108 can thereafter be removed from housing100 or loosened such that the load can be removed from the bed of thepickup truck. It should be appreciated that the locking mechanism of thepresent invention can be secured in any suitable location of any desiredobject such as a boat, motorcycle, or even stationary objects such as adeck. In other words, the locking mechanism is not limited toapplications in the bed of a pickup truck.

In one alternative embodiment, wherein lever 102 is inverted withinhousing 100 (i.e., the direction of the cam end 102 a is inverted),rotating lever 102 away from the base 100 a of housing 100 (i.e.,clockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2) secures strap 108. In thisembodiment, when the user desires to release the tension in strap 108,the user rotates lever 102 to cause angle block 106 to move towardsopening 100 f in housing 100 (i.e., lever 102 is pivoted towards base100 a or counterclockwise from the perspective of FIG. 2).

While a cogged belt provides a preferable amount of interlockingsecurement with the teeth or grooves of the surface 106 a of angle block106, it should be appreciated that strap 108 can be any suitable strapmaterial such as nylon webbing. The teeth or grooves of surface 106 a ofangle block 106 can create a sufficient amount of friction to preventthe nylon webbing strap from sliding between angle block 106 and base100 a. In one alternative embodiment, the surface 106 a of angle block106 does not include teeth or grooves, but is configured with a materialhaving a high coefficient of friction. In one such embodiment, when thesurface 106 a of angle block 106 is in positive contact with the surfaceof the strap 108, the pressure exerted from angle block 106 and the highcoefficient of friction of surface 106 a causes strap 108 to be secured.In another embodiment, surface 106 a may be configured with teeth orgrooves and a material with a high coefficient of friction to furtherensure that strap 108 is positively secured when the angle block 106 ispressed against strap 108.

In one alternative embodiment, wherein the spring washer is incorporatedat location 115 (i.e., over pin 103 a and between lever 102 and housing100), if the load on load buckle 110 becomes negative, the spring washercreates friction to prevent inadvertent movement of lever 102 that mayhave otherwise caused disengagement of angle block 106 from strap 108.

Thus, it should be appreciated that the locking mechanism describedherein enables a user to positively secure any object to any suitablelocation. The locking mechanism enables the user to quickly secure theobject and enables the object to remain secured because if an additionalload is placed on the locking mechanism in a secured position, thelocking mechanism further secures the strap within the housing of thelocking mechanism.

It should be understood that various changes and modifications to thepresently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent tothose skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications can be madewithout departing from the spirit and scope of the present subjectmatter and without diminishing its intended advantages. It is thereforeintended that such changes and modifications be covered by the appendedclaims.

1. A locking device for securing an object, the locking devicecomprising: a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top,wherein the base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and asecond opening, the second opening being opposite from the firstopening, and the top having a channel; a lever pivotally coupled to thehousing, wherein the lever is positioned partially within the firstopening of the sloped housing; an arm pivotally coupled to the lever,wherein the arm is positioned within the sloped housing; and an angleblock having a bottom surface with a gripping element, the angle blockpivotally coupled to the arm, wherein the angle block is at leastpartially positioned within the sloped housing.
 2. The device of claim1, wherein one end of the lever is formed in the shape of a cam.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the base of the sloped housing includes atleast two securing apertures for securing the position of the slopedhousing.
 4. The device of claim 1, wherein the channel in the top of thesloped housing extends through the entire length of the top.
 5. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the lever is pivotally coupled to the housingwith a pin, the arm is pivotally coupled to the lever with a second pin,and the arm is pivotally coupled to the angle block with a third pin. 6.The device of claim 1, further including a strap, wherein at least partof the strap is positioned within the housing and the strap includesridges and grooves.
 7. The device of claim 1, wherein the strap is acogged belt.
 8. The device of claim 7, wherein the gripping element ofthe angle block includes ridges and grooves such that the ridges of theangle block fit within the grooves on the cogged belt and the ridges ofthe cogged belt fit within the grooves of the angle block when the angleblock is pressed against the strap.
 9. The device of claim 8, whereinwhen the strap is positioned within the sloped housing and the lever ispivoted towards the base of the sloped housing, the lever causes the armto push the angle block towards the second opening of the sloped housingand the channel of the sloped housing causes the angle block to slidetowards the base of the housing such that the ridges and grooves of theangle block fit within the ridges and grooves of the strap to secure thestrap within the sloped housing.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein if aload is applied to the strap, the movement of the strap causes the leverto further pivot towards the based of the sloped housing and increasesthe pressure of the gripping element of the angle block on the strap.11. The device of claim 1, wherein the gripping element of the angleblock includes a plurality of ridges and grooves.
 12. The device ofclaim 11, wherein the gripping element is coupled to the bottom of theangle block.
 13. The device of claim 1, wherein the gripping element isintegrally formed with the bottom of the angle block.
 14. The device ofclaim 1, wherein the angle block further includes a top surface havingat least two guide pins, the guide pins slidably coupled to the channelof the sloped housing
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the guide pinsare coupled to the top of the angle block.
 16. The device of claim 14,wherein the guide pins are integrally formed with the top of the angleblock.
 17. The device of claim 6, wherein the strap is coupled to a loadbuckle.
 18. A method of securing a strap, the method comprising:inserting a strap into a desired position within a sloped housing, thesloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top, wherein the base,two sides, and the top form a first opening and a second opening, thesecond opening being opposite from the first opening, and the top havinga channel; pivoting a lever towards the base of the sloped housing,wherein the lever is pivotally coupled to the sloped housing andpositioned at least partially within the first opening of the slopedhousing; pivoting and pushing an arm to move in the direction of thesecond opening of the sloped housing based on the pivoting motion of thelever, wherein the arm is pivotally coupled to the lever and positionedwithin the sloped housing, and pushing the angle block towards thesecond opening of the sloped housing and sliding the angle block intothe strap such that the angle block at least temporarily secures theposition of the strap within the sloped housing based on the pivotingand pushing of the arm, wherein the angle block is pivotally coupled tothe arm, and a guide pin coupled to the top of the angle block enablesthe angle block to be slidably coupled within the channel of the slopedhousing.
 19. A locking system to removably secure objects, the lockingdevice comprising: a sloped housing having a base, two sides, and a top,wherein the base, two sides, and the top form a first opening and asecond opening, the second opening being opposite from the firstopening, and a channel formed in the top; a lever pivotally coupled tothe housing, wherein the lever is positioned partially with the firstopening of the sloped housing; an arm pivotally coupled to the lever,wherein the arm is positioned within the sloped housing; an angle blockpositioned within the sloped housing and pivotally coupled to the armand slidably coupled to the top of the sloped housing, the angle blockhaving a guide pin and a gripping element, wherein the gripping elementis coupled to the bottom of the angle block, the guide pin coupled tothe top of the angle block opposite of the gripping element, and theguide pin being slidably coupled within the channel of the top of thesloped housing; and a strap having a plurality of ridges and grooves,wherein at least part of the strap is configured to be positioned withinthe housing such that the ridges and grooves of the strap are parallelto and facing the gripping element of the angle block; wherein when thestrap is positioned within the sloped housing and the lever is pivotedtowards the base of the sloped housing, the lever causes the arm to pushthe angle block towards the second opening of the sloped housing and thechannel of the sloped housing causes the angle block to slide towardsthe base of the housing such that the gripping element of the angleblock is pressed against the ridges and grooves of the strap, securingthe strap within the sloped housing.